Industry leaders took to the stage at WTM London on Wednesday (4 November) to highlight the importance of luxury suppliers investing in accessibility.
Moderated by Richard Thompson, founder of Incu Travel Group, ‘Nothing is Out of Bounds’ explored how DMCs can be inclusive of disabled travellers – and why they’re missing a major commercial opportunity if they fail to do so.
“It’s a big market – there are rich people with lots of disposable income and their decision depends on that person, being able to travel or not travel,” said Vivek Angra, President and Business Head UK at Trail Blazer Tours India.
The inclusive travel advocate then reassured DMCs that accommodating disabled clients doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
“It’s not rocket science – just put yourself into that person’s shoes,” he said. “Take photos and videos so they fully understand your property and destination.”
He also said small investments can have a huge impact: “A pool hoist can be the difference between someone coming to a hotel or not, and it costs the same as a small coffee machine behind the bar.”
'Joining the dots'
Will Ramsay is a recipient of this investment. The self-identified ‘adventure seeker’ used DMC a couple of years ago to organise a trip with his wife to Costa Rica, having long wanted to explore the region’s iconic forests.
Despite trepidation about relying on a third-party, they ended up having “an absolutely amazing time.”
“We bit the bullet and went on an arranged tour – and all our concerns melted,” Ramsay said. “It allowed us to take more risks and try things we wouldn’t have dared to previously.”
In March, he and his wife worked with a DMC again to book an accessible safari in Kenya. The operator arranged for the couple to travel in an adapted land cruise and to cross the country in the Business Class carriage of Kenya Railways. They also stayed in an accessible room at Sweetwaters Serena Camp and visited Ol Pejeta, a non-profit wildlife conservatory.
“A DMC would now be my first consideration when booking a trip,” Ramsay said. “They provided us with so much reassurance and joined all the dots together."
'Barriers' the main deterrant
Ramsay also stressed the importance of making accessible rooms visible, noting that the vast majority of hotels keep their accessible inventory hidden.
“The planning process is made so much easier when the website allows you to find accessible rooms at the top level of the search. Then you can build your trip around availability.”
Thompson agreed, noting how Ramsay’s experience proves that it’s “barriers” as opposed to “disability” that deters disabled people from travelling. Lifting these restrictions doesn’t have to take long, however: “The learning curve is quick.”
Thompson also cautioned against viewing accessibility as “futuristic,” stressing that progress is “happening now.”
